KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Aberdeen Primary and Junior High School in St Elizabeth will undergo refurbishing work valued at more than $19 million as the school prepares for high school status in September.

The initiative, which is slated to begin soon, is being carried out under the Caribbean Development Bank funded, Community Investment Project (CIP) and is being implemented by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).

According to a release from JSIF, the organization will contribute a total of $18.38 million through funding from the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Jamaica, while the community will contribute $1.54 million in services and kind.

JSIF reports that some 228 students and 25 staff members, as well as 20 community persons who study at the school are now affected by substandard conditions which are not conducive to learning.

By repairing the school’s facilities, JSIF says that both students and residents of Aberdeen and surrounding communities, including Thornton, Siolah, Quickstep, and Belmond will be able to utilize the learning environment.

Principal of the Aberdeen Primary and Junior High School, Milbert Miller said that the enhanced facilities will make it possible for both current students and adults, to be certified in a range of skilled and technical areas.

Repairs will be done to severely leaking roofs, improper bathroom facilities and a diminished recreational programme due to the poor state of the playing field, JSIF said.